"SLAM!
I DO NOT LIKE
BEING MAD!!!
So I try lots of things to be less mad ... "
An argument over power and food leads the young narrator to try to explain how it is that her dad can rile her up. He insists she eat her vegetables. She is having none of it! She finds them disgusting. She leaves the table in a fit of anger, slams her bedroom door, and does what she can to temper her anger. She angrily explains her strong feelings to her stuffed elephant and rabbit. Counting to 100 doesn't do the trick either.
Perhaps an activity like cartwheels will expend the energy that is keeping her so angry. It does not. Drawing furious pictures does nothing to improve her mood. Nor does jumping rope. Listening to birdsong outside the bedroom window?
"IT IS HARD TO
NOT BE MAD!!"
She finally seeks solace under her quilt. Sadness washes over her. She is still a little mad when Dad comes to check on her. By now, her stomach is wishing for food; Dad accommodates with the apple slices she likes, and socks to warm her chilly toes. They share a meal, do the cleaning up, and then spend time playing together. All is well once more.
Digital images provide fodder for conversation concerning emotions and their resulting outbursts. The double page fold-outs throughout the story give perspective to the enormity of the child's anger, and her determination to try to temper that anger as the day moves forward. The colors used are perfect for showing readers just exactly how she is feeling at the outset and as she does her best to improve her mood. Expressive black lines, and squiggles for uncontrolled speech are effective in helping little ones understand how mad she really is.
Janie Hao knows tantrums; she proves it here.
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